On The Square

May Salon Set to Shine

By Bidsquare

Apr 30,2015 | 15:00 EDT

Ahlers & Ogletree Auction Gallery has long been renowned for the quality of their curation. Building catalogues that please consigners and bidders alike, they leave no stone unturned in their efforts to bring a quality auction together. The May Salon sale, set down for Saturday, May 2 and Sunday, May 3, is yet another example of the companys discerning eye.

This sale is overflowing with pieces of interest, none more so than Lot 241 - Willem de Kooning’s “Woman” (above left). Created in the summer of 1952 when de Kooning (above right) took refuge at his summer home in Easthampton, this pastel on paper, with its color palette and form, probably served as a study for his later piece, "Marilyn Monroe."

Lot 263 (above) is sure to have its share of admirers. Produced by the legendary Russian designers Faberge in 1890, this gold mounted nephrite jade triangle frame is set with six rose cut diamonds. Its a stunning reminder that, though Russian royalty may be a thing of the distant past, the reputation of Faberge continues to prosper.

Buyers will have barely caught their breath before bidding starts on Lot 264 (above left). Produced in France in the late 19th Century, this very rare Emile Galle three-tier cameo glass dessert stand is carved with multi-layered blue and violet flowers on a yellow amber ground. Cucumber sandwiches or clotted cream and scones, this is the perfect piece to elevate the loftiest of afternoon teas.

Fine Chinese art and objects are in huge demands these days, with collectors and museums vying for ancient artifacts whenever they come up for auction. Interest should be high then in Lot 344 (above right) – a Chinese scroll painting depicting a flying dragonfly near a patch of flowers, with calligraphic marks in black.

Those prepared to sacrifice speed for style should have their paddles ready when Lot 238 goes under the hammer. The Nash Metropolitan comes from an age when cars still had individual flare, and was the first postwar American car marketed specifically to women. In fact, its initial spokesperson was Miss America 1954, Evelyn Ay Sempier, with the car even advertised in WWD.